Georgia Firefighter Foam Lawsuit: Get the Right Attorney

Firefighters Exposed to Toxic Foam Deserve Justice

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after exposure to firefighting foam, you need answers, legal guidance, and compensation.

Georgia firefighters and military personnel put their lives on the line every day, but many were unknowingly exposed to dangerous PFAS chemicals linked to cancer. Our experienced Georgia attorneys have helped numerous firefighters fight for the compensation they deserve.

Schmidt & Clark, LLP is committed to holding manufacturers accountable and securing justice for those affected. Learn who qualifies, how the lawsuit works, and what settlements look like below. Get your free case evaluation within 24 hours.

Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits

Firefighters and military personnel in Georgia face an unexpected threat—AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam), commonly used to put out liquid fuel fires.

The problem? AFFF contains PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), toxic chemicals linked to cancer and severe health issues.

Key Developments in Firefighting Foam Lawsuits:

• Thousands of lawsuits filed against manufacturers like 3M, DuPont, and Chemours for failing to warn users.
• Multi-District Litigation (MDL 2873) consolidates federal cases, including those in Georgia.
• Major settlements have been reached, with some companies setting aside billions for compensation.
• The National Firefighter Registry was established to track cancer cases linked to PFAS exposure.

What is AFFF?

AFFF is a foam used primarily by firefighters, airport personnel, and military forces to combat flammable liquid fires.

It is highly effective but contains toxic PFAS chemicals that do not break down in the environment or the human body, leading to long-term health risks.

Health Risks of AFFF Exposure

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Breast cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Immune system deficiencies

Firefighters at airports and military bases in Georgia cities like Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta may have higher risks due to prolonged exposure.

Who Are The Defendants in Georgia AFFF Lawsuits?

Manufacturers of AFFF have been accused of knowingly exposing firefighters to cancer-causing chemicals.

Defendants include:

• 3M Company (Major AFFF producer)
• DuPont & Chemours (Chemical manufacturers)
• Tyco Fire Products
• Daikin Industries
• Kidde-Fenwal Inc.
• BASF
• Chemguard Inc.

These companies are being sued for failing to warn the public, despite scientific evidence dating back to the 1970s showing PFAS chemicals are toxic.

The Link Between Firefighting Foam and Cancer

According to the National Center for Biotechnology and Information, the cancer link associated with AFFF usage is one of its most disturbing aspects [1].

Since the early 1990s, research has consistently shown that PFAS in firefighting foam is harmful to human health, with an increased risk of various cancers in individuals with higher volumes of PFAS in their blood.

Firefighters, especially those working at airports and military bases, are at a heightened risk of developing cancer due to their exposure to PFAS-containing firefighting foam. Some of the cancers associated with AFFF usage include:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Breast cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Immune system deficiencies

It is crucial to raise awareness about the potential health risks of AFFF and take necessary precautions to protect firefighters and other individuals who may come into contact with this foam.

Does Firefighting Foam Contain PFAS?

As stated by the Department of Natural Resources, firefighting foam does contain PFAS chemicals [2]. What’s troublesome is that not all firefighting foams are created equal.

Class B firefighting foams, designed for flammable liquid fires, are divided into fluorinated foams that contain PFAS and fluorine-free foams that do not. The former, including AFFF, poses significant health and environmental concerns due to their PFAS content.

Identifying whether a firefighting foam contains PFAS can be challenging. Indicators that might provide some clues include:

• mentions of fluorosurfactant
• fluoroprotein
• C6
• the use of “fluoro” on the package or safety data sheets

Further complicating PFAS identification in foam is the current lack of requirement for manufacturers to report PFAS on safety data sheets, necessitating direct inquiries to the manufacturer.

Occupational exposure of firefighters to carcinogenic chemicals may increase their risk of developing different types of cancer. – National Library of Medicine

Common Injuries Linked To Firefighting Foam PFAS

Immediate and long-term health conditions can result from AFFF exposure. Immediate side effects can include skin and eye irritation, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal problems, and neurological symptoms. Long-term health conditions, however, are far more concerning.

Liver and kidney damage, reproductive and developmental issues, immune system impairment, and increased levels of PFAS in firefighters’ blood are just a few of the alarming effects of long-term AFFF exposure.

Georgia Firefighter Foam Lawsuit: Who Qualifies?

You may be eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit in Georgia if:

• You lived or worked in Georgia as a firefighter, airport worker, or military personnel.
• You were exposed to AFFF during training, emergency responses, or work duties.
• You were diagnosed with cancer linked to PFAS exposure.

You will need medical records proving diagnosis and documentation showing exposure to AFFF.

How Do AFFF Lawsuits Work?

Step 1: Free Case Review

We assess your eligibility based on your exposure history and medical condition.

Step 2: Case Filing

Your case will be filed as part of the AFFF Multi-District Litigation (MDL 2873) to increase the likelihood of a settlement.

Step 3: Negotiations & Settlement

Attorneys work to negotiate a fair compensation package. If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial.

Step 4: Compensation Payout

Claimants receive compensation based on case strength, exposure duration, and cancer type.

Georgia AFFF Lawsuit Settlements: How Much Can You Get?

AFFF settlements use a tiered ranking system based on case severity:

• Tier 1 Cases: Long-term exposure + severe cancer types
  • Estimated settlement: $300,000 – $600,000
• Tier 2 Cases: Medium exposure + moderate cancer risk
  • Estimated settlement: $150,000 – $280,000
• Tier 3 Cases: Limited exposure + minor health effects
  • Estimated settlement: $75,000 or less

These estimates are based on previous toxic exposure lawsuits and may vary.

Potential Compensation for Victims of Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits in Georgia

In AFFF lawsuits in Georgia, claimants can pursue compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Past settlements in AFFF lawsuits have involved substantial amounts. For example, 3M paid $55 million to Michigan, and DuPont announced a $1.2 billion settlement, with average amounts for top-tier cases around $300,000 to $600,000.

Individual plaintiffs in AFFF lawsuits seek compensation based on a tiered ranking system, which is influenced by the strength of their cases and may include punitive damages for manufacturer negligence.

Looking ahead, it’s speculated that companies like 3M may be considering setting aside substantial funds, potentially over $10 billion, for future settlements in AFFF-related cases, with speculations of settlements being made as early as the first half of 2023.

Filing a Georgia Firefighter Foam Cancer Lawsuit

To file a lawsuit in Georgia, plaintiffs join MDL 2873, which consolidates thousands of similar cases. The process includes:

• Collecting medical records and exposure history
• Filing a lawsuit before Georgia’s statute of limitations expires
• Engaging in settlement negotiations
• Proceeding to court if necessary

Georgia Statute of Limitations

Georgia law typically allows 2 years from the date of cancer diagnosis to file a lawsuit.

The Discovery Rule may extend this period if the connection between PFAS exposure and illness was not immediately known.

Related Articles:

• Connecticut Firefighter Foam Lawsuit
• Florida Firefighter Foam Lawsuit Update

See all related toxic tort lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

FAQs

1. How Can Georgia Residents Identify if Their Health Issues Are Related to Firefighter Foam?

Residents should:

• Review medical histories
• Consult with healthcare professionals
• Compare symptoms with PFAS-related illnesses
• Gather evidence of foam exposure from their employer

2. What Compensation Can Georgia Plaintiffs Expect?

Plaintiffs may receive compensation for:

• Medical bills (current and future)
• Lost wages & loss of earning capacity
• Pain & suffering
• Punitive damages for manufacturer negligence

3. What Role Do Fire Departments Play in Georgia Firefighter Foam Lawsuits?

Fire departments may:

• Provide records of AFFF usage
• Support firefighter claims with documentation
• Face liability if safety protocols were neglected

Get Your Free Consultation From Georgia Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawyers

Schmidt & Clark, LLP stands ready to assist in your time of need. Should you or a loved one suffer from injuries linked to firefighting foam exposure, reach out to us without delay. Our seasoned team is well-versed in such legal matters and will shepherd you through each step of the legal journey.

It’s vital to comprehend your legal entitlements and determine your eligibility for a firefighting foam lawsuit. We offer complimentary consultations, and our services are rendered on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only charge if we secure a favorable verdict or settlement for you.

Reach out to Schmidt & Clark for a full case assessment concerning toxic firefighting foam exposure. Allow us to be your trusted advocate during this complex ordeal.

Reference:

1. https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml
2. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/PFAS/AFFF.html